Birth of an Assassin: Heir to the Namikaze
Chapter 13
Snakes Among Us
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Assassin's Creed or Naruto.
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"Jutsu"
"Tailed Beast Speak"
Pairing: NaruxSaku
Assassin!Naruto
Fun Fact: This story tops out at having my longest document of notes, ideas, and plot information at over 25 pages!
What's up guys, back again for another chapter of Namikaze Assassin. We left off with Team Seven heading for the tower in the middle of the Forest of Death. They left behind a wounded Kabuto who had been ordered to accompany them by Orochimaru only to fall into Naruto's trap. Although he barely survived, Naruto will not allow him to get away so easily.
This chapter we will see all MAJOR preliminary matches as in the ones that are directly changed by this story. The rest will be written in italics with participants and winners for the sake of keeping story flow going. I'm really excited as we fly through the Chunin Exam so we can move onto new settings, one of which being Hoshigakure!
There seems to be a popular demand for Anko and Ai to join the red head harem. My plan is that if this popular demand stays constant then I will fit a place for them as I left their romance ambiguous in my notes. I don't mind either way, it won't affect the story negatively or take away from the main romances chosen.
The main romances are TBA at the moment but I can tell you they will all be with Naruto by the end of Part I, each is around Naruto's age, and one is Sakura! This doesn't mean other red heads are excluded to join later in Part II but these three will be around Naruto the most and have the most "screen time".
000
Forest of Death
Tower
000
Ceiling high doors swung open as three shinobi walked inside, marveling at the architecture. They had finally made it to the end of the survival ordeal, a triumph that looked impossible only a day ago. Naruto knew that their trials were not over but for now they had time to relax their guard if only for a bit.
"Wow! So this is the finish line.."
The building itself wasn't spectacular, Sakura was just showing relief toward being at the end of the test.
"Yeah, looks like we made it somehow.."
Sasuke mentioned as he reflexively grabbed his neck in pain. It seemed the seal was still having an effect on him. Naruto had a deep knowledge of the mark itself from studying Anko's, he also knew the risks involved with it.
There was a one in ten chance Sasuke could have died once it was placed on him although it seemed, unfortunately, that Orochimaru's bet worked. It became a mirror for the rogue ninja to speak to Sasuke as well as give him powerful chakra at the cost of his freedom and sanity. The longer it stayed unlocked the more danger he was to everyone in the tower.
Naruto eyed Sasuke as he and Sakura walked ahead of him to the next set of doors. His blade finger twitched on instinct; if it came down to it, he would kill the Uchiha if necessary. It wasn't what he wanted to do but the risks were too great to not consider all options.
"Oi."
Naruto looked toward the door and saw it had instructions for using their scroll. He answered Sasuke's call by revealing the two scrolls and handing one to him while he took the other. In unison they opened them and felt the parchment jerk from their hands and fall to the ground.
A small explosion of smoke marked the usual signs of a summoning technique. The three genin stood together as the smoke cleared, preparing for a fight. The sight of their sensei smiling at them was an odd but welcome greeting after the ordeal they had been put through.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura shouted, actually happy to see him.
The silver haired man gave a simple wave.
"Yo."
His eye opened and wandered over them and immediately noticed their disheveled appearance, it seemed they had quite a hard time out there. He also noticed Sasuke's hold over his neck and Naruto expressing a cautious gait he only used when near something dangerous. What happened to them?
"Well, this is the part where I congratulate your arrival and talk about how your teamwork and individual strengths came together perfectly. Seeing your appearance and how obvious it was you earned your place here, I think that all goes without saying."
They sagged their shoulders in relief as the doors opened behind their teacher. As he waved for them to follow he turned and began to walk into the tower. In his mind he was proud to be their teacher and see how far they had come in such a short time. It would be the first time all genin squads of their generation came together in one place and he couldn't wait to see the reactions from the other Jounin.
'They have earned this..easily.'
It wasn't long after walking through a few hallways and lobbies they came across a large arena where the rest of the genin were assembling. As Sakura and Sasuke walked over to form their team's line, Naruto lingered with Kakashi as the older man realized he had something important to say.
"What is it Naruto?"
Although it was subtle the two gave off the aura of two men talking, not a boy to a teacher. It was a mutual respect that Kakashi and Naruto offered one another; one from respect of their past together and his father while the other from his respect of power and experience. It was thanks to this trust that Naruto felt comfortable warning the Jounin about Sasuke and his mark.
"Sasuke is in danger. We met Orochimaru in the Forest of Death and.." Kakashi's eyes widened before relaxing, he had been expecting it no matter how much he wished it wouldn't happen.
"He received a curse mark, it needs to be sealed immediately. Sasuke already allowed it to take over once..if he does it again it might be too late to stop."
Kakashi held his chin in thought, it seemed Naruto had given it thought and understood the gravity of the situation. He expected no less from his sensei's son but still..the calm he offered after facing against a world class criminal was astounding. After the exam he would be sure to speak with him further to make sure he was alright but until then he had to allay the blonde's concerns.
"I understand. Once Sasuke is free from his preliminary I'll take him, but not before. It's risky to leave it unattended, however, it will raise suspicion if I take him away now."
Naruto looked over at the assembly and saw the Hokage and Anko coming in with a few other instructors. Kakashi looked around and saw the other Jounin and picked one out with particular suspicion, narrowing his gaze. The Oto ninja seemed to be looking right at Sasuke as if peering into his soul.
"You think Orochimaru is among us."
Naruto finished Kakashi's sentence making the man look back at him. The blonde returned his gaze and nodded, glancing over at the Oto Jounin and crinkling his nose, the scent was the same.
"I agree."
"Naruto, I understand your obligation as an assassin but don't make any hasty action against Orochimaru. You know he was holding back in the forest, you wouldn't last a minute if he willed it. Let us handle him."
Naruto just nodded.
"I'm driven but not stupid Kakashi. The Creed determines that Orochimaru should die but not when, I'll bide my time." He looked up at his teacher and gave a grim smile. "Hurry if you want to be the one to kill him though, an assassin can strike at any time."
Kakashi watched as his student walked over to join the rest of the genin. It wasn't long before he realized their conversation was the thing holding up the introductions and made the Jounin hurry into his position behind the Hokage. Eyes wandered between the Namikaze and Kakashi, old and young ninja alike. Even more eyed the Namikaze with suspicion and awe including the other Jounin instructors.
"A Namikaze?.." Asuma whispered, not believing his eyes.
"Yes..he was quite a sight in Wave." Kurenai added, remembering his skill against Gato's thugs.
"You know him Kurenai?" The Sarutobi questioned only to receive a shrug.
"Not personally. He is Kakashi's student. I just had the pleasure of watching him work."
Eyes then turned to Kakakashi who just kept up his laid back pose, ignoring them. Even Gai was stunned into silence, no witty comebacks or challenges from him.
The Hokage coughed to garner their attention and made the Jounin stand in rigid attention.
Hiruzen nodded to Anko, it was time to start.
000
Tower
Assembly Room
000
"First off, congratulations on passing the second exam."
Anko announced through her headset, broadcasting her voice through the speakers placed around the room. While she claimed that out of the eighty students she would make half drop out, she had expected less than a dozen to remain. With twenty one it meant she had some work to do for the next exam to make it even more difficult, or this group was just lucky.
'Considering Naruto-sama among the winners, I would say its more than luck.'
She winked at the assassin when his eyes met hers; the blonde nodded in response.
Shikamaru looked around and saw the grisly faces of those remaining and knew it was going to be a tough fight no matter who he was paired with. He could only hope the other battles went by slow so he could have some time to gather his thoughts, being thrust into fighting was his idea of a drag.
"Can't believe this many are left..why do all the creepy strong ones have to make it?" He said mostly to himself.
"Man I am so hungry.." Choji mumbled behind him, holding his stomach in obvious pain.
"Is that all you can think about right now? You should be fearing for your life not thinking with your stomach!"
Choji just grumbled a response to Shikamaru who could only sigh and hold his forehead in disappointment, what had he deserved to be here?
Ino looked over and smiled upon seeing Sasuke back to normal. When they saw him with that cursed chakra they weren't sure what had happened but it seemed like everything was back to normal. Now that her crush was here there was no way she could lose to anyone, not even Sakura.
She eyed the hooded girl a few rows over with suspicion. Did she really not like Sasuke? She must be crazy and it had something to do with that Namikaze. The way he threatened them back in the forest she had no doubt he was a bad influence on her rival.
'If we fight, I might just knock some sense into her.'
"Your squad may have potential but with mine here they won't be going any farther." Gai whispered to Kakashi as they looked over the assembled genin.
"I mean, I understand if you are intimidated. I would be too with such a lineup trained by yours truly.." The silver haired Jounin made no attempt to respond to the others gloating.
"You say something?"
Kakashi looked at Gai with an innocent look on his face making Gai fall into a bout of frustration.
'WHY MUST YOU BE SO HIP KAKASHI?'
Tenten looked over toward her sensei to see him arguing with another Jounin, presumably the rival he spoke so highly of.
'So that is Kakashi, Gai-sensei's eternal rival. He definitely surpasses him in looks but I wonder..'
"Gai-sensei is the coolest teacher here, he is practically shining!" Lee said with confidence, also noticing their sensei.
'Wait for me Gai-sensei, I will shine as well!'
Lee glanced over to Sakura and noticed she looked well, even after the Oto ninja ordeal. He was unable to show his true strength during that battle and prove his feelings, but he promised to do better during the arena. Sakura would have to watch him and when she did, she would see him for who he was.
Rock Lee, perfect boyfriend number one!
As happy tears streamed down the bowl cut's face, violet eyes wandered. Neji nodded to himself as he finished observing those around, it seemed he was correct to think that all those with strength were the ones to remain. His eyes locked onto Sasuke and then wandered to Naruto, those two were the ones he truly wanted to fight.
'Once I prove myself against them, my destiny will truly show itself. No one can defeat me as it is how fate has foretold.'
Temari's eyes wandered to the assassin again as her thoughts rudely reminded her of their first encounter. So he survived the second exam, it would only make things more difficult for them. It wasn't hard for her to see that Gaara had been more and more unstable since first seeing him and an angry Gaara meant bad news for all of them.
Baki looked Gaara over and saw as he expected, no wounds.
'Just as I expected Gaara, no incidents in the forest. The first phase is going along nicely..'
The red head looked over at Naruto and slowly a smile came over her face, surprising the Suna ninja. He watched as her body twitched and the gourd on her back shook as the sand fought to release itself on her whim. It was a miracle she kept her killer intent veiled enough to not alarm the others but to those with experience handling Gaara, they knew well what she was thinking.
'Its almost time assassin..'
Kurenai looked over her own squad and noticed that Akamaru was behaving oddly. He hid inside Kiba's coat and was openly whimpering which was never a good sign. She wondered what was enough to spook the usually excited and energetic pup.
Kiba looked down at Akamaru and growled protectively, it was thanks to that red head his friend was so scared. He knew she was bad news and only hoped no one had to fight her, even if that was naïve. After seeing what she could do to those Ame ninja there was no doubt in his mind there was something wrong with her when all she could do was smile.
'Let's just hope we don't have to fight her buddy.'
Hinata was one of the many others who had their attention on the Namikaze but not for selfish reasons. She was only glad to see he had made it unharmed. With how nice he was to her and the others in Wave not to mention the stories her father told of his clan, it was only natural for her to be concerned. The heiress hoped he did well in the coming finals.
'Good luck Namikaze-dono.'
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked over the genin present and understood why each Jounin put their names forward, it was clear in their posture and auras of confidence why they passed. If anyone questioned the decision earlier they only had to see these genin to know it was the right choice after all.
He was also proud to see Naruto following in his father's footsteps and taking his place in the exam as Minato did long ago. The more he saw Naruto the more he was reminded of Minato, but in a good way. He could only hope his future would turn out differently though.
"We will now hear an explanation of the third exam from the Sandaime." Anko announced, quieting the background conversations and forcing eyes to the front.
"Hokage-sama, if you would."
When motioned to, the Hokage walked forward a bit and cleared his throat. It was customary for the Kage hosting the event to give a speech to those in attendance and it was to his pleasure he could so for this particular group.
"The third exam will soon begin. Before that however, I wish to share with you the true purpose behind these exams."
Eyes wandered, true purpose? Spreading cooperation and peace wasn't the whole story?
"The words "To spread cooperation and trust." and to "achieve a higher level of ninja" should not be allowed to fool you. The real purpose is.." He smoked his pipe, exhaling smoke from his mouth.
"The epitome of war between shinobi nations."
Surprise overcame a few while most others either didn't care or already understood or presumed the fact.
"What do you mean?" Tenten asked, not understanding.
The Hokage tried to word it in a simpler manner.
"If you look in the past of our nations, you will notice we have been at war often. For times like now where it is peaceful, military resources are put to use in a different manner than all out war. You must understand that shinobi are first and foremost military and without conflict, we are only a waste on the economy."
That was a wake up call for some to think that their entire existence had no purpose other than fighting. It was a reminder that shinobi had reason to call themselves tools of war as that was all they were to the government. Naruto knew that the assassins were always seen as a wild card in the case of governments, directly uncontrollable but if accepted into ninja villages like the Namikaze were can make for strong war assets.
It made him feel happy for once to be different than those around him who were locked in servitude. Like an eagle he was free to fly where he pleased while the others were shackled. He hoped he would be able to free a few of them from that fate though, like Sakura.
"Anyway, to alleviate that waste we come together during times of peace for exams and joint exercises, demonstrating our might against one another. This not only allows us to expose young shinobi to the dangers of their duties but also can bring an economic boon to our nations."
"The ninja who perform well during the exam will be observed by visiting dignitaries and high ranking officials during this final part of the exam. Them performing well will make their village and country appear strong and increase the amount of jobs sent to them, stimulating their economy."
"But aren't we fighting for the chance to become Chunin?" Kiba yelled in frustration, he found the explanation difficult to follow.
"Yes, you are. But you are also fighting as a representative of your village and your country. Depending how well you do, your country can become stronger or weaker."
Naruto stifled a scoff and the Hokage looked at him.
"Is there something you would like to add Namikaze-san?"
"I just think its odd how you justify to these genin you are putting them in danger just for the sake of earning political clout. You literally throw them into a supervised war scenario with only the incentive of being promoted when you realize that the government only sees them as statistics."
The older ninja remained quiet as the assassin did have a point, only making some of them more annoyed with him. Hiruzen could only hide his smile with his hat, Naruto hit the nail on the head and he was thankful. The sooner his fellow genin woke up to the truth the better, sometimes it took the words of someone their age to bring it home.
And it was true, Naruto made the stragglers understand perfectly what was being expected of them in the exam. While it shook their confidence they realized there was nothing to be done about it now.
"I understand your reasons as they are the only proper way to conduct yourself in the world of ninja. I do disagree on how you wait until now to provide them with this information and attempt to hide your true motive. If you are going to chain them to your village and force them to fight for you, the least you can do is be honest."
Hayama stepped forward and pointed an accusing finger at the Namikaze.
"That is enough out of you assassin! How would someone like you expect to understand-"
The Hokage held up his hand for quiet and the older Jounin backed down, reluctantly.
"Thank you for your opinion Naruto. It is good that you are among this batch of genin, it isn't often enough the system is questioned so blatantly and you are right in its faults. It is my hope that future generations will be able to change the illusion of peace we have now into something more real."
Naruto knew that dream well enough, it was the same as all assassins who swore upon the Creed.
"I don't care, just tell us what this next exam is."
Eyes turned to Gaara as she spoke with clear impatience. Although disrespectful, Hiruzen knew he had derailed the conversation far enough from its original point of explaining the third exam.
"Very well, I will now-"
Another Leaf Jounin appeared in front of the Hokage and bowed respectfully.
"Apologies Hokage-sama, but as the instructor I would like to do the honors."
"Very well Hayate, you may do so."
The Jounin got up and turned to view the genin, deep rings under his eyes and chronic cough made it clear he was not well. Some began to question he was in good enough condition to host the final exam but they were put to rest when the man spoke.
"Hello everyone." He greeted the genin respectfully. "My name is Hayate Gekko and I will be your proctor for this third exam."
With him he carried a clipboard with everyone's names collected upon their entry. He did a quick look over their squads and then fell into a coughing fit before going on to speak.
"One thing I must tell you before we begin is that these are to be considered preliminary rounds and do not count toward the Chunin selection process. If you are eliminated here, you are out for the duration of the exam."
Surprise and shock swept through most genin present. After coming so far they still weren't even in the position to be selected for Chunin?
"What do you mean? Are you saying we made it through the previous exams for nothing?" Shikamaru shouted, tired and frustrated of being there only to find out there was more to do.
Hayate coughed and held up his hand for peace.
"You have made it this far and proven you are worthy of participating in the third exam. With this many of you however, we will have to hold preliminaries to cut down your numbers to half."
They quieted down and listened to the older ninja as he explained.
"As Hokage-sama said we have many high ranking officials and dignitaries that will observe you during the third exam held in the arena. They are not known for their patience so we can't have that many matches."
It seemed there was no way to get around it so the genin gave in and allowed him to continue.
"Now, because there is an odd number of you we will have to.."
"I quit."
Everyone focused on Kabuto as he raised his hand and smiled. Hayate looked through his clipboard to find his name while some of the Konoha genin looked worried. Already one of their fellows were quiting?
The Oto Jounin smiled and watched as Kabuto conceded.
"You are Konoha's Kabuto Yakushi, correct?"
"Yes, that's right. You see I'm wounded and tired from the previous parts of the exam and I don't think I can participate. My apologies."
Naruto saw through his calm and friendly demeanor. It was true he had been wounded but Naruto couldn't smell blood on him, he had healed his own wounds and recuperated long ago. The only real reason he could be resigning was to not attract unwanted attention to himself and possibly to get away from Naruto.
'It won't be that easy you little snake.'
"Anko."
Naruto activated her seal and spoke to her mind as if he was whispering in her ear. She seized up for a moment in surprise but then concentrated to speak back.
"Yes Naruto-sama?"
"Once the exams are underway, keep track of Kabuto. Tell me when he's alone..I need to finish what I started in the forest."
Her eyes opened in surprise, she looked at Naruto in shock. Was he suggesting carrying out an assassination in the tower?
"That is dangerous! With this many high ranking ninja, you can easily be caught. It won't make my job easy to protect you with that many.."
Naruto just smiled.
"Don't worry, I'll be discreet. Keep me informed Anko."
The link was disconnected as Hayate spoke up.
"May I assume there are no others who wish to retire?"
Silence met him. With a final approval from the Hokage, Hayate continued onto the actual exam.
"Then let's begin shall we? These will be one on one matches, as in real combat. With twenty of you we can have a successful ten matches which will lead the final ten to go onto the third exam."
"There are no rules, you may use whatever jutsu or equipment you have on you to defeat your opponent. The match will go until one person is killed, knocked unconscious, or gives up. If necessary I will step in to stop a fight to prevent unnecessary death."
Hayate explained the rules and it frightened a few of those present. They were going to be fighting people who might be their friends to the death. To others it was a change for the better as they wanted to get right to fighting those present.
"To determine those who will fight.." Hayate turned and nodded to Anko.
She keyed her mic and spoke to the control room.
"Open it."
A part of the wall slid away to reveal an electric bulletin board.
"The bulletin board will display the names of two fighters picked at random to fight one another. Now..without further delay I will show the first match."
Eyes wandered to the board as names began to flash in front of them. Sweat began to pool as anxiety and fear filled the room with some excitement and bloodlust. As soon as they started, two names appeared before the board and made eyes wander to the first combatants.
"Uchiha Sasuke and Akadou Yoroi, please step forward and we can begin the first match."
000
Sasuke vs. Yoroi
Sasuke is victor.
000
Kankuro vs. Misumi
Kankuro is victor.
000
Naruto Namikaze vs. Gaara
000
Sakura gasped when she saw the names that came up next, her Naruto was going up against that girl Gaara. The first time they met her they could already tell there was something wrong with her but now they were actually going to fight? It didn't help she saw the glances Gaara gave him during the assembly, it looked like she really wanted to hurt him, maybe even kill.
Kakashi was still out with Sasuke sealing the curse mark so it was only Sakura to cheer him forward. That wasn't entirely true as there were a few rooting for him in their own way. Hinata perked up and looked over toward the blonde when it was called, wishing him luck. Karin moved to the railing with interest in the coming battle hoping to see the assassin do well.
Even the Hokage and Anko looked up at the young assassin wishing him well in the coming fight. The rest of the genin were counting themselves lucky they weren't the ones to have to fight against either of them.
"Naruto..are you sure about fighting her? There is something off about that girl.."
Naruto moved toward the railing with Sakura, watching the Suna squad. Gaara was totally ignoring whatever words they were saying to her, he watched as her eyes locked onto his. Her gaze screamed murder and her smile turned from excited to bloodthirsty.
There was no way he was going to avoid this fight.
"I won't be stopped here, not by her. Don't worry Sakura.."
He felt a tug on his robe and turned to face her. Gloved hands enveloped both of his cheeks and held him in place for a kiss to his lips. Sakura backed off shortly after but made her point clear to him; come back alive or else.
"Good luck."
Naruto smiled.
"Yeah."
He leaped off the balcony and landed in the arena. Gaara was enveloped in sand and reappeared on the floor below, just a few feet away from her opponent. Naruto's smile disappeared as their gaze met one another and he became serious, mentally preparing himself for the battle ahead.
"I have waited long enough for this.." She said in her usual monotone voice, belying the emotion behind the smile she was giving him.
"There is something terribly wrong with your attitude. Your killer intent is enough to choke a child to death..I'm not sure if I can let someone like you roam free."
Naruto got into a half crouch stance with his hidden blade arm in front and ready to rush forward. Gaara's cork fell from the gourd on her back and sand began to ooze out, signifying her readiness to fight.
Hayate looked between the two and realized there was quite some animosity between them. Even then, the rules dictated that the battle must be fought and so he stood between them and placed his arm down to signify them being ready.
"The third match between Naruto Namikaze and Gaara will begin...now!" Hayate threw his arm up and leaped away allowing the fight to begin.
Everyone moved to the railings, unable to hide their anticipation for the match's outcome. Eyes watched as the two just stared each other down for the first few seconds before Naruto made the first move.
The assassin darted forward with speed none so far had demonstrated, his image barely visible to even the Jounin present. He reached into his robe and obtained kunai and shuriken from his waist pouch, grabbing two handfuls of them. As he got close, Gaara's sand began to snake across the room in an attempt to reach him.
Naruto let one handful of kunai loose before leaping into the air to avoid the sand. He watched with little surprise as the fast projectiles were blocked by Gaara's sand and noticed she didn't move at all. Spreading the kunai he had left through the webs of his fingers, Naruto decided to test the ultimate defense.
One kunai was launched while he was still in midair, forcing the sand upward to block. Naruto threw another directly behind her and then ran around to her side, throwing two more. Just as the sand blocked the top kunai it spread to cover her behind and side from attack. Naruto's last kunai was launched again to her front while the other three were stopped.
Inches from her face, the sand at her feet launched up and enveloped the kunai. It was then that everyone noticed the flash of an exploding tag and sand scattered around the arena. Naruto made sure he was separated by a good length of the arena as he observed his attack.
While it had failed, he had determined the speed of her defensive sand as well as noticed the beginnings of a pattern in its movement. If he could follow the pattern or increase his speed enough, his attacks could get through to her.
The red head had not moved since landing on the arena floor, arms crossed and eyes bored. With a yawn, she smiled toward the assassin and spoke sending chills down many of the other genin's spines.
"Are you done?"
Naruto wasn't fazed. He calmly got back into his half crouch stance and readied his hidden blade. Naruto also grabbed one of his curved blades from his back for use in the other hand.
"Looks like I will have to increase my speed."
Now that comment made a few Jounin and Chunin turn their heads. That meant to say the speed he displayed wasn't his fastest? It was already hard enough to track him.
Anko smiled, they were about to get a real show from Naruto.
Gaara lost her smile and waited with some impatience for his attack to begin. In the blink of an eye he disappeared from the spot he was standing in and then reappeared right in front of the red head with his blade poised to strike. Sand came up and blocked the strike and made him disappear, reappearing at her side with another attack.
Gaara's eyes widened as her sand had trouble moving fast enough to block the attack, his blade merely inches from her skin when the sand latched on and stopped the slice. Naruto disappeared and came from behind this time, the sand unable to move in time.
The scimitar came down and made a cut across Gaara's shoulder, spraying blood just as the sand reached the blade. Naruto disappeared again while Gaara hesitantly brought her hand back and touched the cut that was made purposely to bleed her, not cause damage. When she brought it to her face to look at the red stuff on her, she realized it was blood..her blood.
Naruto reappeared on the wall behind her, balancing on it with his chakra. He sheathed the blade and quickly began going through hand signs. Everyone was shocked at how he had gotten through her defense, especially the Suna shinobi.
"Gaara-chan! Behind you!" Temari shouted to her sister as it looked like she was still in shock as Naruto readied his attack.
"Fūton: Daitoppa!" Naruto held his two hands up, palms faced forward and unleashed a powerful gust of wind at her back.
The sand came up and reflected the gust, offering the girl a shield. It used up most of her defense though and left her vulnerable as Naruto kept up the attack. Out of the corner of her eye, Gaara turned to see another Naruto running at her. Panicking, she brought her hand up and guided what sand remained to attack him.
The sand shot out like a tidal wave and the Naruto grabbed one of the throwing knives from its vest and threw it at Gaara before being covered by the sand. The blade was too fast for the sand to stop even if there was some to defend her. On reflex her eyes closed as it got close and she felt pain again across her cheek, warmth dripping down her face.
The knife had cut open a shallow wound across her cheek and was dripping blood. The sand quickly receded to return to her, revealing that Naruto had used a clone to throw the knife. He canceled the jutsu and disappeared as her sand attempted to return to her. Everyone leaned close and watched as the blonde landed in front of her in a low crouch as the sand struggled to reach him in time.
With one sweep of his leg, Gaara fell to the ground in a heap and he slid back before the sand could touch him. The girl struggled to stand as she battled with a new emotion, pain.
'He's...playing with her?' Baki realized in horror.
With his speed he easily could have breached her defense and killed her by now. He was making her suffer these wounds on purpose. Was he trying to humiliate her?
"Dammit!" Kankuro squeezed the railing as he saw his sister losing.
'Why isn't her sand armor stopping his attacks? Is his blade that sharp? I thought it might work on more than just taijutsu..'
Naruto quickly retrieved the throwing knife that had imbedded itself in the statue of the arena. Replacing it in its correct spot, he decided that it was time to finish the fight. The last thing he needed to do was reveal too many of his abilities in front of all the other genin. His eyes tracked Gaara pointing both her arms at him as sand shot up in retaliation.
"Naruto!" Sakura shouted as he leaped away only for the sand to follow him.
He looked on the ground below to see it was preparing to catch him there as well. A clone quickly appeared and threw him in another direction free of sand before being crushed by the attack. As soon as he hit the ground Naruto ran at her and created two shadow clones, weaving their way between each other to confuse Gaara into which one was real.
One Naruto went through hand signs while the other two charged forward, intent on attacking Gaara. The sand split into three arms as it raced to grab them.
"Kaze no Yaiba!"
The Naruto going through hand signs began to manipulate blades of wind from his hands as the other two got closer to Gaara. As the sand arms got closer, the jutsu sliced through them and forced the sand to fall to the ground, harmless.
In a last ditch attempt, Gaara manipulated the sand that was left for her defense and instantly made it into a spike, extending it through the heart of one Naruto. That split second it took to find out if it was a clone or not made everyone seize up and unable to breathe. When it popped, the final Naruto revealed its hidden blade and brought it up toward her neck.
He looked into her eyes and saw them lock onto the blade, then he noticed something odd. Her eyes went wide and dilated, as if she was remembering something shocking. Then in an unexpected turn of events, Gaara's eyes began to leak tears and she screamed loud enough to make Naruto flinch.
This stunned everyone into inaction as Naruto tried to stop his attack in time.
Gaara was on the roof of her home. She had been invited there by her uncle even though it was past her bed time, being only six years old.
A shadowy figure in a tan robe appeared and ran toward her small body, a blade appeared from under his wrist.
"Please die."
Sand covered her view and she blacked out.
When her eyes opened again, Naruto and Hayate stood above her. She was now on her back, lying on the ground.
"Hayate, please call the match. I don't think she is fit to fight after..whatever she remembered."
Naruto looked at his hidden blade then back at Gaara, confused.
The proctor looked her over and realized that the fight had been determined at the point Naruto had been able to get in range to kill her. Gaara had lost.
"Upon the fact that Gaara has collapsed and that only the restraint by her opponent allowed her to survive..I declare Naruto Namikaze the winner!"
Cheers erupted from the Konoha side as Gaara was defeated and one of their own found victory. Anko and the Hokage could both let loose their sighs of relief after seeing the short but intense battle was over. Even though Sakura had been worried about his fight against her, she was glad he did not have to kill Gaara. There was a chance there was good inside of her.
"You may return to the stands now."
Hayate said as Naruto seemed to linger, watching the Suna siblings help their sister back up to their side. He again looked at his blade arm and wondered what had happened in that girl's past to fear him. It must have deeply impacted her for Gaara to remember in the middle of their match at such a crucial point.
Gaara felt nothing as she was being carried away, in battle with her mind over that memory. That attack reminded her of uncle Yashamaru and how he had tried to kill her too. It was thanks to him she had realized no one in the world could truly love her and only sought to use her or let her die. She turned her head as they walked up the steps to get one last look at the Namikaze.
Him reminding her of that event only made her want to erase him from the world even more. If it wasn't bad enough before, her blood boiled at the sight of him and she could barely restrain herself from attacking.
'I..I won't let you get away Naruto Namikaze..this isn't over. This IS NOT OVER!'
Sakura smiled as Naruto effortlessly leaped back up to join her and the newly arriving Sasuke and Kakashi.
"Congratulations Naruto, we caught the last bit of the fight. Impressive way to get around her defense.." Kakashi said with Sasuke only grunting in acknowledgment.
"Yes, it really showed your skill in comparison to Suna's!"
Sakura tried to congratulate him but he seemed focused on his blade arm, sheathing and unsheathing the blade with the flick of his finger. Even if he heard the compliments, he did not smile or nod. His thoughts were stuck on the look of fear Gaara gave him right before he was to sink the blade into her neck.
'Was I wrong? Did she not deserve death as I first suspected?..'
He suddenly did not feel so satisfied with the victory given to him.
000
Naruto Namikaze vs. Gaara
Naruto Namikaze is victor.
000
Tenten vs. Temari
Temari is victor.
000
Rio Suzuki vs. Shikamaru Nara
Shikamaru Nara is victor.
000
As Shikamaru returned to the stands with his victory over the Kusa ninja, Naruto felt a tingle in the back of his head. Sakura noticed him slightly stiffen in his place leaning on the wall, concerning her. He had been silent since his return from fighting Gaara, not even responding to her when she asked about his well being.
"Anko, report."
"I've located Kabuto Naruto-sama. He is in guest lobby four, alone and what seems to be resting. Once you are there I will cut the camera as it should buy you some time."
"Understood, I will head there immediately."
"Be careful."
"Of course."
Naruto unfolded his arms and got up from the wall catching the attention of his team. While Sasuke wasn't particularly interested, Kakashi and Sakura were getting increasingly worried about him.
"I have to go to the bathroom, excuse me." Naruto left without another word and made Sakura even more depressed.
Did she say something that upset him? Just when she thought she had him figured out, Naruto shows another side to his personality she doesn't know how to handle.
Kakashi eyed him as he walked off and knew something was off. He was willing to give the assassin some time though before he went off looking for him. From his past experience with Minato and the obvious nature of assassins, there was a reason Naruto was trying to get away from them.
'Don't do anything stupid Naruto..'
000
Kabuto applied some more ointment to a cut on his leg, making sure it was clear on the camera. He had inflicted the wound on himself shortly after leaving the arena to make it seem the least bit believable he quit. Now he just got to relax until the preliminaries ran their course or until Orochimaru gave him orders.
That was when the room got a bit darker and he thought the lights were going out. It was an old building so he wasn't surprised but it still didn't make him any happier. The light on the camera subtly flicked off and that was when he realized he wasn't alone. Slowly, Kabuto got up and moved to the center of the room with only a few wooden benches as cover.
Even then, this person knew how to hug the shadows and he was unable to find them at first. The killer intent only increased until the last second when the spy saw the glint of a blade shine off the lights. Twisting his body, Kabuto just barely missed the attack sent at him by Naruto. He grappled the outstretched wrist but was easily shaken off and was punched in the face.
Kabuto launched back and rubbed his cheek in obvious pain. It seemed the assassin hadn't gotten enough out in the forest and wanted to finish him. There was no room for error as he reached into his thigh pouch and retrieved the curved kunai he preferred to use.
"Come and get me."
Blades clashed and clanked against one another in the darkness. Both attackers launched at each other and both blocked the others attack forcing them to back away and try again. It was clear they were evenly matched in their current states, both weakened and tired from battles previous.
Naruto fed lightning to his hidden blade and cut through the curved kunai, forcing Kabuto to throw it away and weave out of his attacks. One missed slice forced the Oto spy to slide away and found himself being stabbed through the ribs by one of the assassin's clones, making him cough up blood.
With a quick elbow the clone was destroyed and Kabuto dropped to his knee. As one hand was enveloped in a light green chakra, Naruto realized he was going to try and heal himself. He launched forward only to realize too late it was a feint to pull him close; Kabuto grabbed his blade wrist and weakened the muscles, making that arm useless.
Before he could do more damage, Naruto brought up a leg and kicked Kabuto right in the face. Apart from destroying his glasses it sent him flying back into the wall. As blood trailed down his face from his nose and eyes where glass cut, Kabuto struggled to get up and face Naruto.
The blonde calmly attempted to use his left arm with the blade and realized it was useless for the moment. Balling his right hand in a fist he sent lightning chakra surging through it in one last attempt to strike the spy and kill him for good. As he approached the weakened Kabuto, Anko's voice flooded his head and footsteps could be heard.
"Naruto! We've been dispatched to the lobby to find out what's going on, get out of there! I will try and stall."
"Damn.." He whispered but saw his opponent in dire straits and decided to take the chance, continuing to make his way over to Kabuto.
"Such a naughty boy Naruto-kun." Their eyes widened as Orochimaru came out from the darkness behind Kabuto, smiling like a madman.
"I know you hate me but to wound my henchmen to the point of death..tsk tsk." Naruto scowled in anger, he was so close!
He leaped back as Orochimaru took a few steps forward, making the bloodied Kabuto look up at him and address his savior.
"Orochimaru-sama.." The white skinned man looked down at his accomplice and frowned.
"We will discuss your failings later Kabuto..for now I think we are all about to get in big trouble."
He held a hand up to his ear to put focus back on the fast approaching footsteps. The lightning in Naruto's arm dissipated as he knew this was a fight he could not finish.
'I know I can't stand against Orochimaru, especially not in my condition. I could kill Kabuto right now but at the cost of my own life..which is not a worthy trade.'
"Next time.." Naruto whispered before disappearing into the dark, leaving the two Oto ninja alone.
"Orochimaru-sama, you must leave.." Kabuto warned as the Leaf approached, he could not afford to be seen.
The twisted man only smiled.
"It seems you two are equal in strength..that interests me. I've always wanted to know how strong the assassins were. I never got the chance to dissect one for my experiments before being run out of the village."
He began to dissolve into the wall as the investigators were arriving.
"Don't tell them about Naruto. We will speak again soon after the fights are over."
"Yes..Orochimaru-sama."
He didn't understand the order but would obey nonetheless.
'This year's genin truly are interesting..'
000
Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka
000
Sakura saw her name appear on the screen and looked over toward Ino to see her reaction. She looked surprised but then caught the pink head's gaze and made a taunting face. While she didn't let it affect her she was worried that Naruto had yet to return. Kakashi had left to go see where he went and she was afraid he would miss her match.
'I really wanted him to see how I improved..'
Just before she leaped down to join Ino on the floor, she saw Naruto and Kakashi walk in together. Relief flooded her body seeing him alright and back in time for her match. That was when she noticed his limp arm and suddenly became concerned as to what happened while he was out.
Kakashi had his arm on Naruto's shoulder gently guiding him back up. He had picked Naruto up as he ran back to the arena and vouched for him when investigators questioned the blonde's whereabouts. It was obvious the ruckus was caused by Naruto but Kakashi couldn't stop Naruto from having an agenda of his own. It was just his job to keep him safe when he got into trouble he couldn't handle.
"Looks like we made it just in time for Sakura's match."
He pointed out to Naruto who only had eyes for her as she watched him approach. Naruto upped his pace and approached her, holding out his good arm and grasping her gloved hand tightly.
"I would wish you luck..but I know you won't need it."
Sakura smiled, as expected from her Naruto.
"Now go..and show them how you've changed."
"I will!"
Sakura leaped off as his grip faltered, allowing her to fall to the arena with grace. She walked forward and came to a stop a few feet from Ino, her old academy rival. Even though Sakura had yet to demonstrate her real abilities in front of her old friends, it was clear to everyone in the stands the two girls were vastly different from one another. One held herself with confidence and determination while the other seemed lost in her own world and sure of victory.
"Just give up forehead, there is no way you can win this!" Ino tried to taunt Sakura like she used to only to receive a glare in response.
"Those names won't work on me anymore Ino..I'm not the same Sakura from the academy."
The blonde put her hands on her hips, unconvinced.
"You may have changed clothes and changed who you like, but you are still the same old Sakura. You were only ever good at books and nothing else, you aren't cut out to be a ninja!"
Sakura slowly put her hood up to cover her face and readied herself in a similar stance that Naruto took against Gaara, blade arm up front.
"You were better off when we were fighting against Sasuke's affection. What possible goal do you have to work for now?"
Sakura remained silent for a moment before responding with a level tone.
"I will prove to everyone here that I am a different Sakura Haruno by defeating you here!"
Hayate glanced between them before quickly starting the match. The rivalry between the two girls was fierce and could be felt all the way from the stands.
Sakura quickly ran forward as Ino was still fishing for a kunai. The blonde was barely able to duck under the attack and pulled out a kunai to hastily parry Sakura's inspired assault. It was clear Sakura's speed had improved since the academy as her slices started to get through, cutting Ino's clothing and hair.
Sakura leaped back and reached into her waist pouch, grabbing and throwing numerous shuriken and kunai at her opponent. Ino rolled out of the way but was kept on the defensive as Sakura relentlessly threw kunai and shuriken at her everywhere she retreated to.
Sakura ran forward to charge Ino, going through hand signs. The blonde pulled out kunai of her own as the assassin in training created clones of herself and made them weave among one another. Confused which one was Sakura, Ino threw the kunai at two clones just as they ran toward her sides, the kunai going through them effortlessly and revealing the middle one as the real Sakura.
With a punch to the gut, Ino was launched back and forced into taijutsu with Sakura. She was quickly overwhelmed and unable to stop her spirited attacks. She wasn't using academy taijutsu they learned together, it was a completely unique style taught to her by Naruto!
A kick to her side sent Ino flying away from her opponent. She knew that she could not win in a test of ability so she would try and win on a technicality.
Sakura brought her hidden blade to a bandolier that was tied tightly to her left thigh, opposite of her kunai pouch. She sunk the blade deep into one particular vial and made the tip drip with a concoction gifted to her by Naruto. It would help her end the battle quickly against Ino as she did not want the battle to drag on.
Ino slowed herself and went through the correct hand signs as Sakura retracted her blade and went through the same hand signs for clones. She would have to hurry or else she might launch herself at the wrong one! Desperately, Ino watched Sakura create a few clones as they began to run at her crouching form.
Locking her sights on the correct one, Ino began the Mind Transfer jutsu and hoped she would reach Sakura before she reached her body. The clones again weaved in and out of each other and it was almost impossible for Ino to guide herself once in the ethereal state.
Sakura was only a few feet from her body when Ino reached her..only to fly through her body.
'A clone! No!'
Sakura revealed her hidden blade just as Ino returned to her body, closing her eyes on reflex. She felt the blade slice her skin and soon lost all control of her body, slumping over.
"I can't hurt someone I considered a real friend. This was the best way I could think of to end the fight." Sakura stood in front of her, taking off her hood so they could see one another clearly.
"How.." Ino could barely talk let alone move but Sakura understood nonetheless.
"It was because of Naruto that I actually woke up and realized I wasn't accomplishing anything and that I was weak. Then he offered to train me and..gave me the support I needed and gave me the love I always wanted."
Ino was surprised when Sakura got a cute smile on her face as she talked about Naruto. It seemed as if she was unable to keep her feelings to herself as they practically gushed out.
"If I kept loving Sasuke, I would never gotten this far. That's why its your turn to wake up and change Ino.."
The medical team ran over and started to put her on the stretcher. Sakura waved goodbye and said her final piece of advice to Ino before she was taken away.
"Change so we can become real friends again..I can wait."
Sakura returned to the top and hugged Naruto tight. He was surprised by the affection but did his best to return it with his one good arm, the other was still healing.
"What's this for?" He asked, confused.
Sakura looked up into his eyes, seeing them clearly even under his hood. She smiled.
"Everything."
000
Shino Aburame vs. Mita Sato
Shino Aburame is victor.
000
Hinata Hyuuga vs. Neji Hyuuga
000
Naruto moved to the railing as the battle winded down, Hinata was on the defensive and Neji was relentless against her. It was as if he was taking out all his hatred of the main branch on the poor girl and it unsettled Naruto's stomach. Everyone around was concerned at the ferocity of Neji's attacks and strikes on Hinata and knew he was going too far.
"Juken!"
Neji's final strike on Hinata forced her to her knees in pain and Neji thought the fight over. As he began to walk off, the Hyuuga girl looked up to see everyone watching her. Her eyes passed from Kiba and Kurenai to Sakura and Naruto. She saw his look of anger or annoyance and wondered if it was directed to her, was he disappointed?
Was this all she could really do? She couldn't even perform as well as Sakura, let alone another heir like Naruto. The main branch would be shamed if this was truly the limit she allowed herself to stop at. Something about their gazes gave her the strength to unsteadily get back to her feet even as she coughed up blood.
Naruto uncrossed his arms and leaned on the railing, surprised.
Neji turned back around and saw her getting back up. He couldn't believe his eyes, what was she thinking?
"Give up! Its over, you can't even use the Gentle Palm in your condition."
Hinata stood her ground, giving a pained glare at Neji as she held her side.
"I will..defend the main branch..and show my strength!"
Her eyes softened as Neji began to get angry hearing her defend the "honor" of the main branch.
"Please cousin..accept my strength."
"You little.." Neji broke into a run and released a heavy killer intent that raised the alert levels of all Jounin present.
Naruto leaped of the railing just as the others made their move to stop Neji. When the smoke settled in the arena, Neji was being held down by four Jounin and Naruto stood in front of Hinata in a protective pose.
"You will go no farther."
Hayate announced in front of the enraged Neji just as Hinata's heart began to fail, making her cough more blood. Naruto turned around and moved her arm over his shoulder, supporting her before she could fall.
"Hang in there Hinata.."
Kurenai ran over to them and tried to help but Naruto shrugged her off.
"Naruto, return to the stands at once and let me help my student!"
Naruto saw the medical team approaching and looked at Hinata who was looking back at him, confused.
"I can't do that."
Kurenai is shocked at his insubordination and looked to the Hokage for a response. Hiruzen just shook his head and asked for her not to meddle with Naruto. Kakashi stepped forward to defend his student.
"He is the heir to the Namikaze and has the right to help the Hyuuga heiress."
Kurenai could only watch as Naruto helped Hinata take the steps to the approaching medical team.
"Don't falter now Hinata. Everyone's eyes are on you, show them how strong you are."
Naruto encouraged her as they walked together.
"Why.." She mumbled, unable to speak more.
Naruto just smiled as they finally reached the medical team.
"That determination you showed at the end even in your position made me respect you Hinata. You meant every word you said to Neji didn't you? Even when you knew he might hurt you, you still showed compassion to him."
He laid her down onto the stretcher as the medics did a quick check over. Kurenai ran over and attended to her but her focus was only on Naruto's words.
"I believe in you Hinata and I know that you are strong. You proved that here today."
Before they took her out, the girl smiled.
"Thank..you Namikaze-dono."
"After today, you can call me Naruto."
Kakashi watched his student return to the stands, surprised by his reaction to the Hyuuga affair. Even though it seemed clear he didn't like the Hyuuga in a romantic sense, it was obvious that her performance made an impression on him.
'She is lucky to have someone like him rooting for her.'
000
Rock Lee vs. Choji Akimichi
Rock Lee is victor.
000
Kiba Inuzuka vs. Karin
000
With her name called, Karin watched the opposite side of the balconies to see her opponent. It was the one in the heavy coat with a dog. According to Orochimaru's files he was of a clan that idolized dogs and used them in tandem with their attacks. She didn't know why she was bothering to observe her opponent as her lord's orders rang clear through her head.
Karin..lose no matter what once you reach the third exam. We cannot afford your abilities being shown off lest someone recognize them. You are too valuable to be caught.
Under his orders she would have to forfeit immediately.
Her eyes wandered over to Naruto and saw him get up from the wall and lean on the railing. From the past matches she knew he only did that when he was interested in the upcoming fight. That meant he was interested in her! How would she look if she just gave up now?
Sakura noticed Naruto get up and move to the rail for Karin's fight, somewhat annoying her. That was the girl he had so much interest in from Kusa. Her face blushed a bit with jealousy and she quickly joined him on the railing to see what was so special about her.
Kakashi saw the whole interaction and stifled a laugh. So Sakura could get jealous.
'Orochimaru..' Karin's eyes shifted to the ever watchful Oto Jounin near the Hokage and his entourage.
Karin leaped down to the arena and faced down her opponent. It couldn't hurt to put on a little show first and then pretend to suffer a wound and concede. Yes, that was her plan.
"I won't go easy on you just because you're a girl!" Kiba shouted and Karin just sighed.
"You stink..both your chakra and your body." She held her nose in disgust and Kiba looked himself over, not understanding.
'I stink?..'
Karin looked up at Naruto again to make sure he was watching and he indeed was. Hayate moved in between the two and started the match off quickly.
"Tsuga!" Kiba launched forward in a deadly spin but Karin easily dodged.
His attack was strong and fast, but it wasn't very accurate as she observed. Kiba kept up the assault and she soon realized his stamina would outlast hers and that she needed to go on the offensive. While she was not so good at managing her chakra for jutsu, Karin had skill with blades.
Kiba watched as she revealed two kunai and held them in an odd fashion, instead of holding it facing out to the side she wielded them from underneath her wrists. Not terribly concerned, Kiba again launched himself forward in a ferocious spin but watched as Karin gracefully dodged him and brought up her blades just as he came out of the attack.
The attack was fast and accurate, she stabbed him in the shoulders but pulled the blades out fast enough for them only to be shallow wounds. Kiba slid back and could just barely move his arms after that. Akamaru leaped from his vest as he knew Kiba was having trouble and needed to step up the attack.
'She was stronger than she let on..her first attack and she gets me good in both shoulders.'
Naruto leaned forward and tried to replay the fashion she attacked him with the kunai. It all seemed terribly familiar to him from the way she held the weapons to how she inflicted the wounds with fast and precise marks. She made the unwieldy throwing weapons into deadly melee weapons, a feat few could accomplish without extensive training.
This girl was more than he expected and it..unsettled him.
"Jūjin Bunshin!"
He turned his attention back to Kiba and saw him transform Akamaru into a clone of himself. It seemed he was preparing a stronger offensive against Karin who was already panting, obviously not used to long fights. The amount of pressure he put on her early in the match was catching up with her as her stamina ran dry and made it difficult for her to dodge attacks coordinated between the two.
She slid across the floor dodging Kiba only to be struck from behind by Akamaru, forcing her onto her back. Before he could go on to strike her she rolled away and tried to gain distance between them.
"Gatsuga!"
Kiba and Akamaru began to spin in unity to finish her off and Karin knew she had already done far more than Orochimaru would have been happy with. Too late to back down now, she thought she would use that to gain an upper hand. Karin concentrated her chakra to her eyes as she took off her glasses, ignoring the coming danger of Kiba and Akamaru.
Naruto watched with rapt attention as Karin's pure red eyes began to sparkle gold as she activated some ability. At first he thought he was seeing things but he quickly checked again and realized she was indeed using an eye ability, an ability he knew quite well.
Sakura heard his breath hitch and looked at him, surprised at the totally shocked face he was making. It was difficult to surprise or faze Naruto but apparently Karin had done something he had not been expecting.
'How..how does she have that!'
Karin locked onto Kiba and Akamaru's chakra as they approached, making them easier to track. The world slowed down as her reflexes increased to an inhuman level of speed and comprehension. Spinning her body, Karin launched the two kunai as Kiba and Akamaru were upon her.
They were just as fast as she expected and knew that the only way she could win was to take the hit. The kunai stabbed Kiba in his already weakened left shoulder and landed with such a force it actually moved his trajectory enough to just graze Karin's back. Akamaru was lucky and escaped with the kunai just scratching his face, allowing him to hit Karin full on and slice up her side and abdomen.
Naruto's breath caught as Karin coughed up blood and was sent flying across the ring. The attack had landed successfully on her by Kiba and he removed the kunai from his already wounded shoulder, just barely able to articulate his arms. When he got a look at Karin he seized up as he had not planned to hurt her that bad, it seemed Akamaru had been going too fast to stop himself from landing a full blow.
Before the medical team was even on the way Naruto and Sakura leaped down to aid Karin. Naruto had watched the whole thing and he knew the ability she had used would have allowed her to easily dodge and hit both Akamaru and Kiba.
She had allowed herself to get hit and purposely missed vital organs on both Kiba and Akamaru. The question was why.
Kakashi watched as the two ran over to the Kusa ninja that they had developed some relationship with. He then looked back at the railing and his eye widened, Naruto had held it so hard it actually left indents in the steel. What could have affected him that much? The girl getting hurt or something else?
Kiba had also noticed Karin's ability and how she was easily able to track him at the speed he was going. If she wanted to she could have easily killed him or Akamaru, let alone dodge their attack. It made his victory feel all the more hollow as he walked himself off the battlefield after Hayate called the match.
"How..how did you.." Naruto couldn't even articulate his sentences properly to the wounded Karin as they quickly placed her on a stretcher.
Despite her grievous wounds on her side and stomach, Karin still managed to smile as they took her away. She was able to see a new face on Naruto, worry..worry about her. That was enough for her.
Sakura didn't understand what had made Naruto so surprised as the gold around her eyes had disappeared long before they got to her. To her it seemed he was just worried for her because he liked her.
"Don't worry Naruto..we can go visit her after the assembly is done."
Hayate was calling everyone to assemble for their explanation on what happens to the winners. Naruto allowed himself to be dragged over but kept his eyes on the exit long after she had been taken away.
There was writing on the wall and he was struggling to comprehend it.
000
"You will have a month to train and rest before the arena finals. Use this time wisely and prepare for your opponent that we have randomly assigned. Dismissed."
Hayate said after launching the winners into a rushed explanation of the actual third exam and drawing numbers for their arena matches. Sakura turned to Naruto and asked him what he wanted to do now but he only looked at her and responded.
"He'll be back soon."
She didn't understand what that meant, who would be back?
000
Konohagakure
Hospital
000
The hospital door slid open as Karin tried to rest from her wounds. The doctors had given her a heavy sedative that kept her from moving so she wouldn't disturb the recently patched wounds so the only thing she could do was try and sleep. She was too restless though as her mind wandered from impressing Naruto to fearing Orochimaru's repercussions by going against him.
Upon hearing the door open, she was able to angle her head and look over. The new arrival made her eyes widen and her struggle to move even though it was useless.
Kabuto smiled as he calmly strode to Karin's bedside and looked down at her. Her nose and mouth were covered by a respirator that supplied her with air and she looked quite banged up from her battle. After receiving his orders from Orochimaru, he had come to the hospital to accomplish two goals.
One was to capture Sasuke and the other..tie up loose ends.
"Orochimaru is most displeased Karin..you disobeyed his orders when he clearly told you to forfeit."
His eyes landed on a nearby scalpel and picked it up, eying the instrument with a deadly smirk.
Karin's eyes began to tear up as she realized he was there to kill her. Never before had she felt so helpless, damn the sedatives from keeping her down.
With a free hand Kabuto brushed a stray hair from over Karin's eye and back behind her ear. It was clear he took a sick pleasure from being in the superior position with such a helpless opponent.
"It is a shame it had to come to this..you were such a promising pupil and servant."
Kabuto brought the scalpel down toward her neck ready to slice the artery. Karin only closed her eyes, knowing she wouldn't feel anything but didn't want to give Kabuto the satisfaction of seeing her fear.
When nothing happened, she opened her eyes to see a leather glove over Kabuto's wrist, holding it in an iron pincer. They both looked over to see Naruto glaring murder at Kabuto from under his hood. Both were surprised to see him here and not at the arena. How did he get there so fast?
"Na..Naruto.." Kabuto said, genuinely surprised.
Karin couldn't believe it, the Konoha ninja came to her rescue? His grip intensified on Kabuto's wrist, forcing him to drop the scalpel or lose his hand. One phrase from Naruto told both spies just what was about to happen as his eyes met Kabuto's.
"I don't think so."
000
And that concludes this super long chapter of Namikaze Assassin. Believe it or not I was expecting this chapter to be lacking content but it seems it is overflowing with it! Let me know what you thought of the chapter in a review and also tell me what you think about using the Shippuden movies as possible chapters in Part II.
To allay concerns, Orochimaru was able to stay and observe even without his team in attendance as he had already been at the tower and requested to stay by the Hokage. The old man had no reason to refuse him anyway. Even if he wasn't allowed to stay in disguise he would have found a way to observe Sasuke from within the tower.
I'm playing around with the idea of a Mass Effect/Naruto crossover, let me know if that interests you.
Review!
See ya in Mercenary for Hire.